The TRACHMED Kick-Off Meeting, held from February 20 to 22, 2025, marked the beginning of a collaborative research initiative focused on the Mediterranean region. Over the course of three days, participants explored key transnational challenges through policy discussions, thematic sessions, and hands-on workshops. Highlights included insights from the Research Executive Agency, in-depth dialogues on climate change, migration, and energy security, as well as training sessions on research methods and fieldwork. The meeting set a strong foundation for shaping TRACHMED’s research agenda and fostering lasting partnerships across disciplines and borders.